How do you interpret your performance data?

1 Know your metrics

The first step to interpret your performance data is to know what metrics you are measuring and why. Metrics are the indicators that quantify and evaluate your performance against your targets and benchmarks. They can be divided into different types, such as inputs, outputs, outcomes, efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and satisfaction. You should choose metrics that are relevant, reliable, valid, and aligned with your goals and objectives. You should also know how to calculate, collect, and report your metrics accurately and consistently.

2 Analyze your data

The next step is to analyze your performance data to understand what it means and what it tells you. You can use various methods and tools to analyze your data, such as descriptive statistics, trend analysis, variance analysis, ratio analysis, and benchmarking. You should look for patterns, trends, gaps, outliers, and correlations in your data and compare them with your expectations and standards. You should also consider the context, causes, and consequences of your data and how they relate to your internal and external factors.

3 Visualize your data

Another step is to visualize your performance data to communicate and present it effectively. You can use different types of charts, graphs, tables, dashboards, and scorecards to display your data in a clear, concise, and compelling way. You should choose the appropriate visual format for your data and audience and follow the best practices of data visualization, such as using titles, labels, legends, colors, scales, and annotations. You should also highlight the key insights, messages, and actions from your data and avoid clutter, distortion, and confusion.

4 Review your data

A crucial step is to review your performance data regularly and systematically. You should establish a performance review cycle that defines when, how, and who will review your data and what actions will be taken based on the results. You should also involve your stakeholders, such as managers, employees, customers, and partners, in the review process and solicit their feedback and suggestions. You should use your data to monitor, evaluate, and improve your performance and to celebrate your achievements and recognize your efforts.

5 Customize your data

A final step is to customize your performance data for different purposes and audiences. You should tailor your data to suit the specific needs, interests, and preferences of your intended users and recipients. You should also adapt your data to the different formats, channels, and platforms that you use to share and disseminate your data. You should consider the purpose, scope, level, frequency, and tone of your performance reporting and use the appropriate language, style, and tone.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?